Tryon Historical Museum will present a triple hitter on Wednesday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m.  

It starts with a presentation on Scott Fitzgerald and Friends in Tryon. Local resident Ambrose Mills will tell tales of the “Friends”, while area historian Bruce Johnson will pick up the Fitzgerald aspect of the story, and will also sign his just-released book Tom [Wolfe], Scott, and Zelda, Following Their Footsteps–-Asheville, Hendersonville, Lake Lure and Tryon. 

Johnson is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books. His next book, in keeping with his interest with the American Arts and Crafts movement, will focus on the Tryon Toy Makers, Wood Carvers and its founders, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale. They were initially hire by Gertrude Vanderbilt to work for Biltmore Industries in Asheville in 1905. 

Tryon resident William Ambrose Mills IIIs connection with local history runs deep in the county, tracing back to a forbearer of the same name who is best remembered for having thrown in his lot with the losing side in the Revolutionary War.  

The current Mills served 27 years in the US Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lt.
Colonel, Infantry. His business career included post of International Sales Manager for a subsidiary of Martin Marietta, after which he founded Intertech, an international trading company with a concentration in Asia, especially China. Mills serves on a number of local boards, including the Polk County Historical Association.  

The upcoming program, which will feature the glory and glamour of Tryon residents and passers through in the early part of the 20th century, is free, as are all events at the Tryon Historical Museum located at 26 Maple Street. 

Submitted by Jackie Burke